Schumer seeks relief for vineyards

Sen. Charles Schumer is calling on the Department of Agriculture to provide quick relief to vineyards that have suffered massive crop damage due to the extreme cold winter.

Schumer, D-N.Y., is asking that financial assistance be provided through the Tree Assistance Program, as well as having the national agency approve a crop disaster declaration so emergency loans can be made available.

Upstate vineyards are beginning to assess the damage, but will not know how bad it is until spring, Schumer said on Monday at Three Brothers Wineries and Estates in Geneva, Ontario County.

“New York is home to hundreds and hundreds of vineyards…and this year there is widespread concern that the extraordinarily cold winter could dramatically reduce their crop and that growers won’t have the cash flow to replant damaged vines and purchase alternate juice to continue wine production on schedule,” Schumer said, in a statement.

There are nearly 900 vineyards in Upstate New York, which support more than 6,700 jobs and bring $830 million into the economy, Schumer’s office said.
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